Some people say that the first rule of slot car racing is concentration. Being able to focus on your car and it's surroundings as it moves around the track. Some of you might say "Well Duh!!". However it is more difficult than you think. Scientists have determined that we now have a shorter attention span than a goldfish. Think about that one for a minute, if you can.
Now that I got your attention let's push it a little further... think about concentrating for two or three minutes, the time it takes to run one heat. During this time you need to concentrate on driving your car pretty close to it's limit without de-slotting and be aware of the other cars on the track not to mention blocking out all the other distractions like loud drivers, coner marshals, and the general comments and trash talk around the table.
It is obvious why you need to concentrate on your car... but why do you need to be aware of the other cars and whats happening on the track?
Be aware of passing opportunities and/or passing hazards
If the car you are passing is on the inside lane next to you, do not pass them in a curve. If a car on the inside of you is passing you try to work it so they don't pass you in a curve. In both situations you are at risk of being de-slotted due to them fish tailing through the curve.
Be aware of other de-slots on the track
Other cars that have de-slotted might be obstructing your lane and could cause you to to be knocked off the track. In addition, by hitting the car it could cause damage your car. Knowing when and what cars have de-slotted on the track will help you pull ahead of your nearest competitor and/or gain on the leader. Also when others are flying off the track it is extremely important that you stay on especially if you consider how long it takes a track marshal to re-slot a car in combination with how fast the average lap time is. You could possibly gain 1 to 3 laps.
Until you have become razor sharp with your driving skills concentrate on keeping your car in the slot and avoid getting knocked out of the slot or off the track.
Now, you can congratulate yourself for concentrating longer than a goldfish... :-)
It is obvious why you need to concentrate on your car... but why do you need to be aware of the other cars and whats happening on the track?
Be aware of passing opportunities and/or passing hazards
If the car you are passing is on the inside lane next to you, do not pass them in a curve. If a car on the inside of you is passing you try to work it so they don't pass you in a curve. In both situations you are at risk of being de-slotted due to them fish tailing through the curve.
Be aware of other de-slots on the track
Other cars that have de-slotted might be obstructing your lane and could cause you to to be knocked off the track. In addition, by hitting the car it could cause damage your car. Knowing when and what cars have de-slotted on the track will help you pull ahead of your nearest competitor and/or gain on the leader. Also when others are flying off the track it is extremely important that you stay on especially if you consider how long it takes a track marshal to re-slot a car in combination with how fast the average lap time is. You could possibly gain 1 to 3 laps.
Until you have become razor sharp with your driving skills concentrate on keeping your car in the slot and avoid getting knocked out of the slot or off the track.
Now, you can congratulate yourself for concentrating longer than a goldfish... :-)
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